The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University (NDU), to enhance productivity and promote sustainable development within the state.

The Managing Director of the Institute, Mr. Charles Johnson, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, mni, in Yenagoa. In his remarks, Dr. Sawyer reiterate that the state government remains committed to deepening its collaboration with the Institute to achieve greater results in line with the Prosperity Administration’s developmental agenda. He further noted that sustainable partnerships are essential for driving innovative growth and enriching the state’s prosperity mandate.

The Head of Service advice the Institute to maintain professionalism in carrying out its duties to effectively achieve its objectives. He further assured the delegation of the government’s support in realizing the Institute’s contributions to the prosperity agenda.

Dr. Sawyer stressed the importance of public sensitization ahead of the forthcoming International Marine and Blue Economy Conference and Exhibition (IMABEC 2025), noting that adequate publicity would enable the Institute to achieve wider participation and maximize the impact of the event.

Speaking earlier Mr. Johnson expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to supporting the state government’s developmental efforts.

He stated that the upcoming IMABEC 2025 would focus on Advancing Safety, Economic, and Social Resilience in the Coastal Ecosystem, adding that the conference would play a pivotal role in shaping policies, fostering collaboration, and advancing national discourse on the sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine and Blue Economy sector.